Monument record 1418 - Open Field System, Astwell

{1} The common fields of Astwell were enclosed by an Act of Parliament of 1761 and the common fields of Falcutt were also enclosed at this time. It is possible that each settlement once had its own field system, though this is not certain, and the assumed boundary between the two has been reconstructed on the basis of two lengths of broad droveway, a footpath and a stream which form a continuous line. Ridge-and-furrow of these fields exists on the ground or can be traced on air photographs over much of the land of the old parish of Astwell and Falcutt. Around Falcutt it is arranged in interlocked and end-on blocks carefully adapted to the broken ground. To the north east, between Astwcll and Falcutt, the furlongs run north west, down an north west-facing valley side. Ridge-and-furrow is also visible in the east of the parish within the area covered by the deer park. Much of it is of medieval form, in end-on and interlocked furlongs, but there are also considerable areas of straight ridges 7-9m wide, fitting within the existing field boundaries. This is presumably the remains of late 19th- century steam ploughing.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.88 (unchecked) (Series). SNN77382.

<2> Hall D., 2001, The Woodland Landscapes of Southern Northamptonshire, p.33-46 (unchecked) (Article). SNN102520.

Record last edited

Feb 28 2014 1:41PM